John Hurd joined the Mercian’s Swimming Club in 1896 and went on to become very influential in the world of swimming. A former president of the Southern Counties ASA, he replaced George Hearn as honorary secretary of the Amateur Swimming Association in 1908. At the London Olympics that year he acted as a timekeeper and judge. Four years later in Stockholm, Hurd refereed two water polo matches, including the silver and bronze medal game between Sweden and Belgium. Hurd, who was a London tobacco merchant, was a member of the British Olympic Council and continued refereeing beyond the age of 60.
Great Britain